Creating a template for black academic success

It was encouraging to read this story, Blacks in Fairfax, Montgomery Outdo U.S. Peers in AP, in the WAPO today. Black high school students in both Montgomery(MD) and Fairfax(VA) counties are excelling in AP (Advanced Placement) tests. This is what I wanted to hear after the Post conducted a survey showing that more black students in this area are going for AP classes than ever. Participation in this area has doubled in 10 years. Not only are they doing better than most black students in highly black populated areas, but they are doing much better.

What is the formula? I think its probably a combination of a lot of things. The article touches a little on this. High property-tax counties have more money for school supplies & teacher salaries. There are more 2-parent homes in these areas. Also, because of the success of blacks in this region, black children are able to see the rewards of hard work and an education in a reflection of themselves on a daily basis. These kids understand that excelling academically isn’t “white,” it’s just “smart.”

This success is admirable, but how much is it worth if its concentrated in one area? As the article says, the exact opposite is happening for black kids in other parts of the country. We need to put together a template of factors that have contributed to this outcome and share it; hell, mandate it if we have to. Instead of putting all our energy into maintaining Affirmative Action, wouldn’t it be better if we spent that energy here? We need to see keeping our kids focused on education as a battle we have to fight every day and we need all the ammunition we can get. www.politopics.com